SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The Gambling Related Harm All Party Parliamentary Group (GRH APPG) has outlined its 2020 strategy, as it continues to campaign for a reduction in gambling related harm.
Carolyn Harris MP was re-elected as Chair of the Group. The Rt Hon Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, Ronnie Cowan MP, Lord Foster and Sammy Wilson MP were also elected as Vice-Chairs of the Group, reiterating the cross-party support for the group.
Carolyn Harris MP said: “I am delighted to have been re-elected Chair of the GRH APPG. Gambling related harm is an issue that is very close to my heart and one I am extremely passionate about.
“The APPG is not anti-gambling, we support a safe and sustainable industry. Our primary concern is to continue to champion the cause for better regulation and we are determined that all parts of the industry should operate openly, fairly and in a way that does not prey on vulnerable people.”
The APPG also confirmed that it would be publishing its final report in the coming months, which follows on from an interim document released in November. The group has already called for industry-wide changes including a £2 online slot stake limit and an overhaul of the Gambling Commission.
The Group agreed that it would now be campaigning to ensure that the remaining recommendations set out in its report were also actively taken forward including restrictions on the staking levels online, on gambling advertising and the statutory ‘smart’ levy to fund research, education and treatment.
In its strategy, the APPG plans to speak with both the Gambling Commission and Gambling Minister Helen Whatley, requesting that they both contribute to the APPG’s final report.
This year, the group will also be undertaking evidence sessions to provide recommendations to the Gambling Review which is due to be undertaken by the Government ahead of the new Gambling Act.
Evidence sessions will look at all aspects of harm in the industry including at areas such as the age level for purchasing scratch-cards, the normalisation of gambling, gambling advertising and the ‘gamblification’ of sport.
